Total Eclipse of the Heart
Summary: Serena is a primary school teacher and has a watchful eye over a very special student. However Darien is his father, a very rich, successful and married man - Who also happens to be in a very unhappy marriage.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING! I promise! So I do not own Sailor Moon, or any rights associated with it! NOTHING~! T.T
A/N: I just wanna say a huge thanks - THANKS! to everyone who reviewed! I must admit I did not quiet expect so many.. hehe.. It was quiet exciting! However I could not release this chapter since there was something I wrote a few chapters ahead and needed to make sure I didn't give anything away unintentional and had some information in this one. SO ENJOY! :) YAY!
Chapter 2: Miss Bennet
"You guys have done such a great job this afternoon!" She called to her class shushing them. "Actually all week! All of your hard work has come along just splendidly! I can't wait to show all of your work to your parents tomorrow during their interviews!" She clapped her hands with a huge smile. Encouraging the kids to join in.
Teaching had always been a dream job for her. Her mother had been a stay at home mum and it was something she wanted to be as well one day. As a child she would wake up every morning before school to the smell of food. Her mother would have lunch ready for her and her brother. Then when they got home from school there would always be some kind of home made sweets and snacks waiting for them. Her mother was always there for her too. She was her idol.
She always dreamt of growing up and having what her parents have. They married young and were still happily married 40 years on. Although she moved out of home after college she was still committed to her family and went back once a month for a family dinner and kept regular contact with them. Her brother on the other hand, he only talked to the family when he needed something. He had become a hotshot lawyer and moved abroad first chance he had.
The only thing that was missing from her life however, was 'Mr Right'. During her college years she dated a few guys; but being a natural blonde with blue eyes… no guys really took her serious. Nor did they really take her honestly because of the major she was taking. Apparently doing an educational degree at college was something anyone could do; therefore you didn't take those people serious. She was quick to learn the hypocrisy of people.
Even after college though, it was still hard dating. Evidentially no one wanted to date a teacher for some reason? The guys that did like her, she just didn't feel right with. Melvin was a teacher at her school who taught the upper grades – He was very smart, but no common sense. And not that looks were everything, but Melvin hadn't done anything to change his appearance since high school! Then there was Seiya. He worked with her father in the family company. Her father was hopeful for the match, but Seiya didn't take her serious either. Just another pretty face he wanted to call his own. Plus he sent weird vibes to her.
Perhaps that was her issue it itself. She wanted someone who would look at her, for her. Who wouldn't care she was a teacher, or acted like a child and did stupid childish things at her age. But loved her for that reason, and all the fun moments they could share together without caring what other people thought. Was that so wrong to want? She also loved pink and anything frilly and cute. Talking in a childish manner was normal for her. Anything colourful brought joy to her. Whenever she saw business people in their boring blacks and greys she just felt the need to splash them with something colourful. That was just the way she was. For goodness sakes, her bed was still covered in teddies, her couch has pink fluffy cushions, and her dinner table had a frilly run along it. Not to mention all her cooking appliances and cookware were all pink! Probably borderline obsessive with pink and help should be sought, but it made her happy about her mediocre life.
That wasn't to say she couldn't adult either! She could definitely get all dressed up to the nines and behave in a 'lady like' manner! There were plenty of times she got to dress up too; like for her father's events for the company, or functions that the school held. But people who saw her or met her at those functions never stayed long after learning about her childish teacher side. She taught primary school, mainly grade 1. Hello people! Of course she would have a tendency to automatically act childish and break things down so a first grader could understand when in the presence of other people. Especially when holding a conversation about technical things. It wasn't her being demeaning or anything, it was just the way she was.
Sometimes it was something that depressed her as well. But she had a problem of always seeing the best of things. She knew that she just hadn't met the right guy. He was out there somewhere! And by damn he was waiting for her! And by goodness, she would definitely find him… or he would find her. But she knew Mr Right was somewhere out there. 'Fate' her mother would say just hasn't intervened yet. Her father telling her she just had to 'go get him tiger'. What was a girl to do? Mostly everyone she met had partners of up to 3 years plus – married or engaged. Even her childhood friends where in long-term partnerships the last time she heard anything about them all.
"Okay kids," she said waving her arms to stop the children from chattering about the prospects of their parents coming and seeing everything they had done that semester. "Although I have not heard back from all of your parents, you will all be doing activities outside with the other kids and parents, those whose parents cannot make it," she looked to the left at the little boy with black hair. "There is nothing wrong with that! And I expect no one to tease those whose parents cannot make it."
Smiling, she couldn't help but look at those kids she knew whose parents wouldn't be able to make it. Unfortunately her school was right in the middle of the City. Most parents where full-time workers and found it convenient to have their kids go here.
One student in particular she worried about. At the beginning of the year she had sent the children home with letters – stating how well they were going, what developments might be necessary for them and where they were standing academically.
She had heard back form almost every parent regarding their children's issues… except for one child's parents. Darien Junior Shields. She saw so much potential there – he was a very smart and intelligent child. Although a little anti-social, it made him want to question and learn everything he could.
At first she was worried about his anti-social behaviour – it had been two months since the start of semester and she had not seen him talk to another kid. She took it upon herself to try and get him to interact with at least one other student, and as a result he was able to befriend one of his fellow classmates. That was when she sent home the first letter to his parents.
It was now the end of semester and she had sent home letters requesting a parent-teacher interview to talk about their child's progress this far, and how their developments have been coming along. Slowly she began to think that Darien's anti-socialness was now because of his parents. She had not heard one peep from his parents, and Darien Junior never talked about them either – this made her worry more for the boy. So she took the initiative to guide the boy and ensure he had some sort of guidance in his life that he was severely lacking at home.
As much as she would have loved to meet his parents, she knew that would probably never ever happen. She figured they were full-time workers doing long hours. After all, it was still a very prestigious school and expensive… so she had to wonder as to what kind of people they were. If they worked all these long hours to send their kid here to have a good education, or possibly money was nothing and they simply didn't care? But to her she still felt like his parents didn't care at all. Most of the kid's parents at the school worked for big top tier firms, known worldwide… but the children were more important then any social standing their families could offer. Kids were the future, and they needed to be protected and taught the right thing - Nourished and loved. She didn't care if one of her students were a prince! Without the proper values, guidance and education taught upon him, the opportunities he could offer in his position would simply disappear.
"So, everyone have a lovely afternoon!" she smiled widely at all the children in her class. "I will see you all tomorrow – most with your parents." She paused for a moment, "Now pack up your things and I will walk those who would like me to wait out the front with them for their parents to arrive."
Waiting patiently at the door of her classroom she said her goodbyes to the children who wondered off without her – they had parents who were waiting at the front of the school a good hour to half hour before school had even finished. Usually those parents socialised with the other parents and talking about the schools upcoming social events. You know the real 'go getter' parents who pushed the school to do more for their kids so they could do less at home.
Looking over her classroom she couldn't be more proud. Her kids had worked so hard. All week they worked on a few things they wanted to show their parents to display how they were developing. Many had come really far. She had seen a lot of potential. These minds were sponges, and with the right teaching they could definitely go far. But she knew as soon as many of them got to high school and with a new social structure and cliques to choose between, many would figure out what kind of person they would become in their later life. Unfortunately she had seen it all first hand.
During her high school years she was a bit of a loner – although she had 4 fantastic friends. She was too nice and a lot of people never took her serious… and sadly that was still her issue today, years on. Her friends however, she could never compete with. Mina was a blond bombshell as well, but she was very athletic – captain of the volleyball team. That made her body taunt and lean, and right after school she entered the modelling and acting scene.
Lita was the top of the school's Home Economics' class acing in cooking. There was nothing Lita could not make, and they were all made to perfection – nothing was burnt, undercooked, too sweet, not sweet enough etc. During college years Lita did hospitality and a business degree and right after her parents brought her a large building for a graduation present to build her restaurant. Which is one of today's most popular and expensive places to go.
Amy was always the brain of the group. She wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a doctor. So as you can guess, in college she studied to become a doctor, and was now one of the most famed and prestigious doctors today. Luckily fame never got to her, so she stayed at the local hospital offering services to those who couldn't necessarily afford the best. Although from time to time she did travel a bit as her experts were needed in other countries.
Lastly, there was Raye. She was the beauty of the group. During high school everyone wanted to get with her. But she was also the best in the archery club. She grew up with her grandfather at a temple… so she was very well rounded. As soon as she laid her eyes on something she wanted, she would work as hard as possible, to ensure it was hers.
Unfortunately because all the girls went to different colleges after high school to different states and countries, it was hard to keep up with their current lives. She stopped speaking to Raye altogether when she moved abroad. And the others, it had been years since she really spoke to any of them as well. So she knew little about lives. Sometime during the last year of high school Raye started to ignore her and become very bitchy to the point they eventually stopped talking after high school. She rarely thought about her past and her old friends, what happened in the past was the past, and that was where it would stay forever and ever. Collecting dust in the back of her mind.
Really, she hardly every talked to anyone these days. She was almost a recluse. Expect for of course Melvin. They went to primary and high school together, and apparently were still at school together – teaching at the same school. But it was still not a good enough sign for her to ever get serious with him… ever.
Eventually her eyes came to the group of three students still in the classroom. "Okay kids, let's go outside," she said while ushering them out of the room. While walking them to the entrance of the school she couldn't help but think about the three kids in front of her. Their parents usually were always late. Little Conner's mother always came half an hour after school finished, and Emily's usually came within the hour always varying. Lastly, there was Darien. She had never seen his parents pick him up. Sometimes an elder couple would pick him up – at first she thought they were his grandparents, but eventually she learnt they were his neighbours. If he was not picked up within the hour he was sent home on the bus.
Luckily when they reached outside Emily's mother was already there waiting. "Thank you for looking after Emily this afternoon," she said quickly as she led her daughter to the car.
Finding their usual shaded seat she watched the two boys left playing tag. Eventually it was half past and a car pulled up. "Conner," she motioned towards the boy, "You're mother is here," she said standing and waving towards his mum. She watched as he headed towards the car park into his mother's car.
"Thanks," his mother hollered as she drove off. A smile couldn't help but form on her face. It was a good feeling teaching such young bright people and making sure they got home safe. But as always, she was left alone with one last student.
"So what do you want to do?" She asked as she turned around to look for Darien. But before she could fully turn she saw a small black haired boy running past her shouting 'Daddy.' That couldn't be right? Shaking her head she ran after the boy, "wait, Darien!"
As she reached the parking lot she froze as she watched two very similar looking males pull apart from their hug, starting to stand around towards her, "Yes?" they both said in unison. Suddenly she felt like her heart was going to jump out of her mouth.
She couldn't help but stare between the two. Darien Junior was standing next to the adult version of himself. Both with glossy black hear that seemed to fall into their eyes, their midnight blue eyes. She shook her head again knocking the thoughts away. Noticing the adult version had a hand on the little boys shoulder keeping him to his side. A sudden thought popped into her head.
Blinking her thoughts aside she started to speak, "Hi, you must be Darien's father?" she said suddenly while producing a large smile and pushing her hand forwards for a handshake. She couldn't take her eyes off of this new man. She thought little Darien was going to grow up into a heart breaker. If this were his father, then Darien Junior was definitely for sure going to break many young girls hearts.
"Yes," he said smoothly in a deep voice, "Dairen Endymion Shields," he added while taking her hand in a firm shake.
She was astounded by his voice. Looking at the suit he was in she figured he must have been a very smooth businessman. Suddenly her thoughts went to their prolonged handshake. Quickly cutting it short, she smiled, "It is a pleasure to finally meet one of Darien Junior's parents!" Her voice was a bit high pitched like a teenagers squeal, but come on! Finally meeting this man was like whoa!
She watched as his eyes widened a bit with realisation, "You must be his teacher Miss Bennet?" His voice was still smooth, but it was a lot softer. To him he had much to thank her for. Especially looking after his son. He remembered when he was in primary school - none of the teachers cared that he didn't have parents, nor kept him company till the afternoon bus came to take him home. All he could think about was how his son would tell him about his afternoons waiting with his teacher.
A small laugh escaped from her lips, "Yes," she looked towards the smaller boy, "I must say, you have quite a brilliant son Mr. Shields."
"Darien, please…" he said prolonging the please to emphasise his wanting of hearing her name.
"Serena," she said quietly catching his gaze again. "I must ask," she said quickly taking a huge breath, "is this a onetime thing? Because we have a parent-teacher interview day tomorrow for end of semester and I think it'd be good if you came."
There was a pause and both Serena and Darien junior were watching his father. "My schedule is pretty hectic tomorrow," he said slowly looking between the pair. "I will see how my day goes?" This of course made them both smile.
"Of course!" Serena added, "You must be a busy man!" she laughed nervously. "In any case, I will let you boys go!" she smiled taking a few steps back, "I will see you tomorrow Darien," she waved towards the little boy.
"It was good to finally meet you Miss Serena Bennet," the older Darien said before closing his door to the sleek black car that was the only car left in the lot.
With one last wave she sighed nervously and turned back towards the school. All she wanted to do was meet one of Darien Junior's parents, and for some reason his father seemed so familiar... But where? She seen how much love was between the two, and that was amiable to like. She was worried that little Darien was not getting love at home, but that was now something Serena could not question… so it left her to wonder about his mother.
Until next time! I'm getting excited just writing this! So many thoughts... the hard bit is making them coherent into a storyline! hehe.